Bill > SB2084

This bill, concerning the Governmental Tort Claims Act, establishes new rules for settling wrongful termination claims against public institutions of higher education in Oklahoma. Specifically, it defines "employee," "institution" (referring to public colleges and universities under the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education), and "wrongful termination claim" as any state-law-based claim alleging an employee was improperly fired. The key provision limits the total payout for such claims, whether through settlement, arbitration, or court judgment, to a maximum of two years of the employee's base salary, compensation, or contractual benefits at the time of termination. This limit encompasses back pay, compensatory damages, and other monetary relief, but importantly, it excludes retirement contributions already earned by the employee and any accrued unpaid wages or leave. The bill clarifies that these limitations do not apply to wrongful termination claims arising under federal law, nor do they restrict remedies available under federal law if those remedies are protected from such limitations. This new law will take effect on November 1, 2026.

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http://www.oklegislature.gov/BillInfo.aspx?Bill=sb2084&Session=2600